Movie Review: Resident Evil (2002)
Synopsis
"Resident Evil," released in 2002, is a cinematic adaptation of the iconic video game series of the same name. Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the film is set in the fictional Umbrella Corporation’s underground laboratory, known as The Hive. A malfunction in the facility has resulted in the outbreak of a deadly virus, turning employees into zombies and unleashing a host of horrifying bio-engineered creatures.
The story follows Alice (Milla Jovovich), who awakens in a deserted mansion with no recollection of her identity. She is swiftly joined by a special forces team led by Matt Addison (Eric Mabius), who is dispatched to contain the outbreak and ultimately assess the situation. The team includes Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), Captain Alexander Issaacs (Thomas Kretschmann), and a few other members tasked with discovering what has occurred within The Hive.
As they venture deeper into the facility, the team faces hordes of zombie creatures and various mutated beings created by the Umbrella Corporation’s original experiments. During their battle for survival, Alice begins to recover her memories, revealing that she had once been a security officer for Umbrella. As secrets unfold, the team realises they must escape The Hive before the corporation seals it off to contain the outbreak, leaving them to perish along with the mutant horrors that inhabit the area.
The film culminates in a desperate attempt to exit The Hive while battling not only the undead but also the facility’s security system, which has initiated a countdown to self-destruct. This gripping sci-fi horror film intertwines action and suspense, highlighting the consequences of corporate greed and the perils of uncontrolled scientific experimentation.
List of Actors and Their Characters
- Milla Jovovich as Alice
- Michelle Rodriguez as Rain Ocampo
- Eric Mabius as Matt Addison
- James Purefoy as Spencer Parks
- Colin Salmon as One (a member of the special forces team)
- Boris Kodjoe as L.J. (a member of the special forces team)
- Sienna Guillory as Jill Valentine (although she has a limited role, she is one of the franchise’s most beloved characters)
- Matthew G. Taylor as the Nemesis
- Paul W.S. Anderson as the Red Queen (voice)
- Jared Harris as Dr. William Birkin (also a limited role in the film)
Review
"Resident Evil" is a film that attempts to blend elements of horror, action, and sci-fi, drawing heavily from its video game roots while seeking to establish a standalone identity. The movie capitalises on its CGI and effects to create a tense atmosphere that is both engaging and visually stimulating. As audiences settle in, they are greeted with a menacing score, which sets the tone for the dread and uncertainty to follow.
Milla Jovovich’s performance as Alice stands out amidst the large ensemble cast. She embodies the character’s evolution from amnesia-ridden civilian to an agile and formidable warrior. Jovovich’s transition is not only crucial for the character but also serves as the beating heart of the film. Her physicality, paired with an impressive range of emotion, adds depth to her role, allowing viewers to connect with her fight for survival.
Michelle Rodriguez and Eric Mabius provide solid performances as Rain Ocampo and Matt Addison, respectively. Rodriguez portrays Rain with a tough exterior that is softened ever so slightly through her interactions with fellow team members, allowing for some character development despite the limited nature of the script. Mabius’s Matt serves as the moral compass of the team, furthering the narrative and providing necessary exposition. The chemistry amongst the cast, particularly the special forces team, offers glimpses of camaraderie and tension, which is essential in maintaining audience engagement as the horror unfolds.
The film’s pacing is generally efficient. The build-up to the initial encounters with the undead is executed adeptly, effectively raising the tension and establishing a sense of dread. Once the action truly kicks off, however, there are moments where the film can feel like it descends into chaos, occasionally losing sight of character motivations amidst the bloodshed and horror. While some moments garner genuine scares, others rely heavily on jump scares typical of the genre, which may leave seasoned horror fans unimpressed.
The directorial choices made by Paul W.S. Anderson lend a unique style to the film, characterised by sharp angles and frenetic editing, which immerses viewers in the action and horror alike. However, there is a fine line between stylistic flair and excessive use of gimmicks, and in certain sequences, the pacing can falter as quick cuts overshadow character development and the plot’s progression.
Special effects, while at times appearing dated in retrospect, were innovative for the time and served to propel the film’s sense of dread. The practical effects, particularly pertaining to the zombies and other mutated creatures, are commendable and enhance the film’s horror elements. The design of the Red Queen, the artificial intelligence overseeing The Hive’s operations, is both intriguing and intimidating, adding an additional layer of suspense as the team grapples with both human opponents and technology gone awry.
While the film incorporates nods to the gaming franchise, it simultaneously takes creative liberties, crafting a narrative that largely diverges from the original plots of the games. Although die-hard fans may find fault in these deviations, the film benefits from being its own entity, allowing newcomers to immerse themselves without prior knowledge of the video game series.
Moreover, "Resident Evil" explores themes of corporate greed and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation, albeit in a relatively light manner. The film addresses the dangers of bioengineering and the consequences that come with playing god in the laboratory, an important consideration that remains relevant in contemporary discourse on technology and ethics.
However, the script often falls flat with clichéd dialogue and underwhelming character arcs, where many supporting characters are relegated to archetypical roles. The narrative occasionally leans too heavily on genre tropes, leading to predictable outcomes in certain scenarios. Moments of tension can be undermined by a lack of substance behind the characters, which diverts emotional engagement.
The conclusion strikes a balance between a thrilling escape and a cliffhanger that sets the stage for future installments. While it may not provide the grandiosity that some viewers might expect, it serves to hint at larger narratives to come, appealing to dedicated fans of the franchise.
In conclusion, "Resident Evil" (2002) is a film that holds a unique place within the landscape of video game adaptations. While it may not satisfy purists of the gaming franchise, it offers a thrilling blend of action, horror, and suspense that is sure to please fans of the genre. Milla Jovovich’s strong performance anchors the movie, but its shortcomings in character development and reliance on tropes prevent it from achieving greatness. "Resident Evil" is an enjoyable watch, especially for those willing to enjoy it as a separate entity from its source material.
Score: 7/10
